Political Risk

“Saudi Arabia has arrested at least three more women’s rights activists in a widening crackdown just weeks before a ban on women driving is set to end, international rights watchdogs said on Tuesday.” Source: Saudi Arabia expands crackdown on women’s rights activists | Reuters

“Hezbollah has strengthened its influence in Lebanon’s parliament with the election of an ally of the Iran-backed group to the role of deputy speaker.” Source: Hezbollah strengthens influence in Lebanon parliament | Lebanon News | Al Jazeera

“Georgia has accused Russia of war crimes, human rights violations and a ‘rampage’ across its territory during the military conflict between the countries almost 10 years ago.” Source: Georgia accuses Russia of war crimes during 2008 conflict | World news | The Guardian

“France’s interior minister has ordered Paris forcibly evacuate migrant camps that have sprung up along its canals. The move is emblematic of France’s tough new approach to migrants.” Source: Paris migrant camp to be evicted on French government orders | News | DW | 23.05.2018

“Britain’s defense secretary has put at least a £3 billion-a-year (U.S. $4 billion) price tag on the value of the country’s close military relationship with the US, but conceded that the arrangement was priceless to the government.” Source: British defense chief puts a price tag on US military alliance

“The Trump administration, working to increase exports of U.S.-made weapons, has asked the U.S. Congress to review the sale of more than 120,000 precision-guided munitions to allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sources said on Tuesday.” Source: Congress reviewing sale of precision munitions to Saudis, UAE: sources |

“Trump administration officials have made thinly veiled calls for a military coup that would topple the Venezuelan dictatorship and pave the way for democracy.” Source: A military coup in Venezuela could lead to a Russia or China-backed anti-American dictatorship | Miami Herald

“Thai police detained leaders of an anti-junta protest on Tuesday (May 22) who had tried to mark the fourth anniversary of a coup by marching to Government House, one of the largest acts of dissent since the army grabbed power.” Source: Arrests as protest greets fourth year of Thai junta rule

“A Turkish court has sentenced 104 former military officers to life in prison for their involvement in a 2016 coup attempt, state media report.” Source: Turkey coup trial: Court to jail 104 ex-military for life – BBC News

“Vice President Mike Pence believes it would be ‘a great mistake’ if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un believed he could ‘play’ President Trump as the U.S. and the rogue regime prepare to meet in Singapore next month.” Source: Mike Pence: It would be a ‘great mistake’ if Kim Jong